A desert racing crash in August in which eight spectators were killed and 10 more injured has prompted the Bureau of Land Management to create a subgroup to sift through Special Recreation Permit applications and make recommendations to the Desert Advisory Council.

The BLM issued a report some months ago accepting responsibility for the tragedy, and the creation of the subgroup is an effort to head off future problems.

On Aug. 14, a racing pickup operated by Brett Sloppy went out of control and flew sideways into the crowd at the Johnson Valley racecourse in a remote High Desert area.

BLM spokeswoman Erin Curtis said, “We did not adhere to our own procedures. It’s our responsibility to make it right.”

She added that there was plenty of blame to spread to other organizations and individuals.

After the subgroup is in business, it will study applications and report its findings to the Desert Advisory Council, which will make a recommendation to the desert district manager, who will approve or deny the application.

The Special Recreation Permit subgroup will have six members, who will serve without pay for two years. To be on the subgroup, members must hold an event permit, be an event participant or be a representative of four-wheel, dual sport, equestrian or other interests requiring the special permits.

The subgroup will identify operational issues in permit procedures, aid in accurately communicating those procedures, and provide comments about current or proposed actions by BLM.

Subgroup members must reveal possible conflicts of interest and any claims or lawsuits against the BLM.

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